1 January 1942Atlantic CharterFranklin Delano Roosevelt
Helps transform the charter's principles into a wider Allied commitment.
Historical records for United States of America in 1942, rendered directly from the World History Database and ordered by month, day and event.
Helps transform the charter's principles into a wider Allied commitment.
Signs the Declaration by United Nations incorporating Atlantic Charter principles.
An allied pact becomes the United Nations
Declaration by 26 Allies not to conclude a separate armistice. An allied pact becomes the United Nations
Declaration by 26 Allies not to conclude a separate armistice, the pact becomes the UN
Declaration 26 by Allies not to conclude a separate armistice becomes basis for the UN
Declaration by 26 Allies not to conclude a separate armistice, the pact becomes the UN. Declaration 26 by Allies not to conclude a separate armistice becomes basis for the UN
Britain, the USA, China & 22 Allies agree not to make a separate peace with Germany
Marries Mickey Rooney
Death of Carole Lombard
Nelson coordinates conversion of civilian factories and allocation of strategic materials.
Birth of Muhammad Ali, born Cassius Marcellus Clay, Jr
The first US Army unit to arrive in Britain, elements of the 34th Division, land at Belfast (Northern Ireland)
US Army Air Force (USAAF) European HQ is established at Daws Hill, High Wycombe (Bucks)
US Army Air Force (USAAF) European HQ is established at Daws Hill, High Wycombe (Bucks)
Birth of Lewis Allan Reed, later known professionally as Lou Reed.
Promoted to temporary Major General while serving on the War Department General Staff.
Appointed Commander of the US Naval forces in Europe
Appointed Commander of the US Naval forces in Europe
Is selected by NCR to lead engineering of a high-speed U.S. Navy Bombe for four-rotor Enigma.
The US surrenders to the Japanese on Bataan. MacArthur is evacuated but Allied prisoners are forced on the Bataan Death March
The US surrenders to the Japanese on Bataan
American forces surrender and Parker enters Japanese captivity for the remainder of the war.
Surrenders to the Japanese, spends the rest of the war in a prisoner of war camp
Leads the B52 bombing of Tokyo & other Japanese cities
The OPA imposes broad price ceilings to restrain wartime inflation.
At a General Staff Conference the US is given the task of planning entry into Europe. At a General Staff Conference the US is given planning mobilization in Britain
Appointed Assistant Chief of Staff in charge of the Operations Division for Army Chief of Staff George C. Marshall.
The US surrenders to the Japanese on Corregidor after the surrender of Bataan
Japanese expansion in the Pacific is stopped off New Guinea
Conducts a mission to London to improve coordination between American and British military planning.
Groves appoints Oppenheimer to head the project's secret weapons laboratory
Oppenheimer is given the title "Coordinator of Rapid Rupture", specifically referring to the propagation of a fast neutron chain reaction in an atomic bomb
Groves appoints Oppenheimer to head the project's secret weapons laboratory
Spruance & Fletcher sink 4 Japanese carriers with the loss of the Yorktown
Provides the Japanese code which inform the Americans of the Japanese plans
Attacks Japanese carriers heading for Midway, lulls Nagumo into false sense of victory
Turns away from Yamamoto & frustrates the his plan for trapping US forces
Brigadier General Wilhelm Styer directs Colonel James C. Marshall to organise an Army Corps of Engineers district to consolidate atomic bomb development.
Eisenhower assumes command of the US Armys European Theatre of Operations (ETOUSA)
Churchill and Roosevelt meet and agree to attack German forces in North Africa (Operation Torch) before launching invasion of Continental Europe, Torch serves to stall Bolero troop build-up in UK
Churchill and Roosevelt meet and agree to attack German forces in North Africa (Operation Torch) before launching invasion of Continental Europe, Torch serves to stall Bolero troop build-up in UK
Appoints Eisenhower as the Commander of the US forces in Europe
Appoints Eisenhower as the Commander of the US forces in Europe
Promoted to temporary Lieutenant General while commanding American forces in the European theatre.
The first shipment of irradiated uranium, about 300 pounds, arrives at the Metallurgical Laboratory for plutonium research.
Robert Oppenheimer convenes a summer conference at the University of California, Berkeley to discuss the design of a fission bomb, Edward Teller brings up the possibility of a hydrogen bomb as a major point of discussion
Robert Oppenheimer convenes a summer conference at the University of California, Berkeley to discuss the design of a fission bomb, Edward Teller brings up the possibility of a hydrogen bomb as a major point of discussion
Declares the Allied war aims of world peace, freedom & self-determination
Birth of Isaac Lee Hayes, Jr
Seaborg isolates pure plutonium using a separation method suitable for development on an industrial scale.
Conant's status report, relayed through Vannevar Bush to the Secretary of War, reports encouraging results from Oppenheimer's bomb-design group.
The Dieppe raid is defeated, concerns about Operation Sledgehammer are confirmed
The S-1 Executive Committee recommends a Tennessee pilot plant based on Lawrence's electromagnetic isotope-separation work.
At a meeting of the S-1 Executive Committee, it is decided that a centralized laboratory should be established to study fast neutrons, code-named "Project Y"
At a meeting of the S-1 Executive Committee, it is decided that a centralized laboratory should be established to study fast neutrons, code-named "Project Y"
At a meeting of the S-1 Executive Committee, it is decided that a centralized laboratory should be established to study fast neutrons, code-named "Project Y"
Colonel Leslie Groves is assigned command of the Manhattan Engineering District
Takes command of the Manhattan Project.
Colonel Leslie Groves is assigned command of the Manhattan Engineering District
Groves purchases about 1,250 tons of high-grade Belgian Congo uranium ore stored on Staten Island.
Groves is promoted to brigadier general shortly after taking command of the Manhattan Engineer District.
Groves purchases 52,000 acres (210 km) of land in Tennessee for "Site X", which will become the Oak Ridge, Tennessee laboratory and production site
Groves purchases 52,000 acres (210 km) of land in Tennessee for "Site X", which will become the Oak Ridge, Tennessee laboratory and production site
The Manhattan Project is given permission to use the highest wartime priority rating by the War Production Board
The Manhattan Project is given permission to use the highest wartime priority rating by the War Production Board
During a visit to the Metallurgical Laboratory, Groves orders long-delayed engineering decisions for plutonium production to be settled within five days.
Leslie Richard Groves appoints Robert Oppenheimer to coordinate the scientific research of the project at the "Site Y" laboratory
Leslie Richard Groves appoints Robert Oppenheimer to coordinate the scientific research of the project at the "Site Y" laboratory
Leslie Richard Groves appoints Robert Oppenheimer to coordinate the scientific research of the project at the "Site Y" laboratory
Leslie Richard Groves appoints Robert Oppenheimer to coordinate the scientific research of the project at the "Site Y" laboratory
The Act greatly expands the number of Americans subject to federal income tax.
Birth of John Michael Crichton
Conant recommends sharply restricting atomic information exchange with Britain; Bush forwards the recommendation to Roosevelt.
The centrifuge method for uranium isotope separation is abandoned after persistent technical difficulties.
Groves places DuPont in charge of engineering and construction for the plutonium-production project.
Is selected to direct bomb-design work at Los Alamos.
Seaborg warns that plutonium's alpha activity can make light-element impurities a serious unwanted neutron source.
1st day of Operation Torch
Commands the Allied landings in French North Africa, indirectly securing the Mediterranean route to Egypt and the Suez Canal.
Supports Operation Torch, which opens a western front in North Africa and eases pressure on Egypt and Suez.
American troops land at Casablanca, Oran & Algiers overcoming Vichy resistance
American troops land at Casablanca, Oran & Algiers overcoming Vichy resistance
The Military Policy Committee decides to bypass pilot stages for major production methods and proceed directly toward industrial-scale plants.
Groves and Oppenheimer visit Los Alamos, New Mexico and designate it as the location for "Site Y
Groves and Oppenheimer visit Los Alamos, New Mexico and designate it as the location for "Site Y
Groves and Oppenheimer visit Los Alamos, New Mexico and designate it as the location for "Site Y
Groves and Oppenheimer visit Los Alamos, New Mexico and designate it as the location for "Site Y
Birth of Martin Scorsese
Birth of Jimi Hendrix
Captures Oran during the North African landings
The Allies launch Operation Torch & jointly invade north Africa
Chicago Pile-1, the first nuclear reactor goes critical at the University of Chicago under the leadership and design of Enrico Fermi
Chicago Pile-1, the first nuclear reactor goes critical at the University of Chicago under the leadership and design of Enrico Fermi
Leads the first controlled self-sustaining uranium chain reaction.
A team led by Enrico Fermi, for whom Fermilab is named, initiate the first artificial self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction in an experimental nuclear reactor named Chicago Pile-1
A uranium and graphite pile achieves the first self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction.
A team led by Enrico Fermi, for whom Fermilab is named, initiate the first artificial self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction in an experimental nuclear reactor named Chicago Pile-1
Leads a team which creates the 1st controlled nuclear reaction. Chicago Pile-1, the first nuclear reactor goes critical at the University of Chicago under the leadership and design of Enrico Fermi
A constructed graphite pile is designed to produce weapons-grade plutonium.
A team led by Enrico Fermi, for whom Fermilab is named, initiate the first artificial self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction in an experimental nuclear reactor named Chicago Pile-1.
Chicago Pile-1, the first nuclear reactor goes critical at the University of Chicago under the leadership and design of Enrico Fermi.
Completes the construction of a nuclear reactor at the University of Chicago.
Leads a team which creates the first controlled nuclear reaction.
Starts the first nuclear chain reaction. Completes the construction of a nuclear reactor at the University of Chicago. A constructed graphite pile is designed to produce weapons-grade plutonium
Leads a team which creates the 1st controlled nuclear reaction. A team led by Enrico Fermi, for whom Fermilab is named, initiate the first artificial self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction in an experimental nuclear reactor named Chicago Pile-1
Given command of all US forces in the campaign in Guadalcanal
Oswald entered the Bethlehem Children's Home on December 26, 1942, and remained there for about thirteen months.
Roosevelt approves detailed plans for full-scale production facilities and atomic-weapon development.
Roosevelt approves a greatly increased Manhattan Project cost estimate of about 400 million dollars submitted through Vannevar Bush.
Kellex is organised to design the gaseous-diffusion plant, with Percival Keith directing work on plant engineering and diffusion barriers.
Winner of the Academy Award for Best Direction for Mrs. Miniver
Responsible within the Operations Division of the War Dept for the "US point of view"
Defeated by Rommel in Tunisia
Defends the eastern part of Luzon
Commands the Enterprise-Hornet force
As Commander of the II US Corps in Tunisia defeated by Rommel
Mercer founds Capitol Records, the 1st West Coast label
Appointed Chief of General Staff, chief of the war plans division
Appointed Chief of General Staff, chief of the war plans division
Appointed Commander in Chief
Appointed Commander in Chief
Appointed Commander of II Corps
Appointed Commander of II Corps
Appointed Commander of Allied forces in Northwest Africa
Appointed Commander of Allied forces in Northwest Africa
Appointed Commander of Tenth Corps
Appointed Commander of Tenth Corps
Appointed Commander of US forces in China, Burma & India
Appointed Commander of US forces in China, Burma & India
Appointed Commander of the Western Task Force during the North African Landings
Appointed Commander of the Western Task Force during the North African Landings
Appointed Director of War Mobilization
Appointed Director of War Mobilization
Appointed Governor of New York State, 1st term
Appointed Member of Joint Chiefs of Staff
Appointed Member of Joint Chiefs of Staff
Appointed Member of Joint Chiefs of Staff
Appointed Member of Joint Chiefs of Staff
Appointed Member of Joint Chiefs of Staff
Appointed Member of Joint Chiefs of Staff
Appointed Member of Joint Chiefs of Staff
Appointed Member of Joint Chiefs of Staff
Appointed Member of Joint Chiefs of Staff
Appointed Member of Joint Chiefs of Staff
Theorists Hans Bethe, John Van Vleck, Edward Teller, Felix Bloch, Emil Konopinski, Robert Serber, Stanley S. Frankel, and Eldred C. Nelson (the latter three all former students of Oppenheimer) quickly confirm that a fission bomb is feasible
Theorists Hans Bethe, John Van Vleck, Edward Teller, Felix Bloch, Emil Konopinski, Robert Serber, Stanley S. Frankel, and Eldred C. Nelson (the latter three all former students of Oppenheimer) quickly confirm that a fission bomb is feasible
Arthur Compton organizes the University of Chicago Metallurgical Laboratory in early 1942 to study plutonium and fission piles (primitive nuclear reactors)
Groves appoints Oppenheimer to head the project's secret weapons laboratory. From 1942-1946 under the control of the US Army Corps of Engineers, under the administration of General Leslie R. Groves
From 1942-1946 under the control of the US Army Corps of Engineers, under the administration of General Leslie R. Groves
Groves appoints Oppenheimer to head the project's secret weapons laboratory. Theorists Hans Bethe, John Van Vleck, Edward Teller, Felix Bloch, Emil Konopinski, Robert Serber, Stanley S. Frankel, and Eldred C.
Nelson (the latter three all former students of Oppenheimer) quickly confirm that a fission bomb is feasible.
Oppenheimer and Robert Serber of the University of Illinois work on the problems of neutron diffusion (how neutrons moved in the chain reaction) and hydrodynamics (how the explosion produced by the chain reaction might behave). Arthur Compton asks theoretical physicist J.
Robert Oppenheimer convenes a summer conference at the University of California, Berkeley to discuss the design of a fission bomb, Edward Teller brings up the possibility of a hydrogen bomb as a major point of discussion.
Robert Oppenheimer of the University of California, Berkeley to take over research on fast neutron calculations-key to calculations about critical mass and weapon detonation
The scientific research is directed by American physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer
The scientific research is directed by American physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer
Oppenheimer and Robert Serber of the University of Illinois work on the problems of neutron diffusion (how neutrons moved in the chain reaction) and hydrodynamics (how the explosion produced by the chain reaction might behave).
Theorists Hans Bethe, John Van Vleck, Edward Teller, Felix Bloch, Emil Konopinski, Robert Serber, Stanley S. Frankel, and Eldred C. Nelson (the latter three all former students of Oppenheimer) quickly confirm that a fission bomb is feasible.
Appointed Director of War Mobilization
Directs, Mrs. Miniver
Opposes Churhills invasion of north Africa claiming it will jeopardise Roundup
The US wish to relieve pressure on Russia by attacking the Pas de Calais in the summer
Helps develop precise microwave tracking radar for anti-aircraft use.
Directs, "The Magnificent Ambersons"
Shaw enlisted in the United States Army in 1942 during the Second World War.
Authorizes an American biological warfare programme during the Second World War while emphasizing retaliatory preparedness.
Appointed Commander of Tenth Corps
This page is generated from stored World History Database records matching the exact country and year shown above. Exact duplicate display records are collapsed. Records without a month are listed after the monthly sections. Source provenance varies by record; formal academic citation should be checked against the relevant primary source, archive or specialist historical reference.